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In the lead-up to July's Stars issue, June is bursting with top quality reads in holiday titles, Spanish books, cookbooks, anime, and more.

Whether they are going to school for the first time or facing the beginning of another academic year, the start of the school year can be a time of high emotions for little ones. Share these titles to help them prepare.

These Juneteenth offerings include various formats, ranging from cookbooks to early readers to audiobooks, so all your young readers can find their preferred way to learn more about this holiday.

Seven recent graphic novels that feature family stories of love, loss, and lineage.

Just in time for Father's Day, we've rounded up a few of the latest board books that highlight the special bond between fathers and their children. Share these titles with your young readers before mid-June or all year long.

From romance to fantasy to graphic novel to poetry—there’s a book for every teen’s summer reading pile in this roundup of diverse titles.

These three novels explore the fun, freedom, and complications of life on vacation for tweens.

Authors and illustrators have become evermore adept at hooking readers with fantasy and humor while providing solid details like bait to hook their continuing curiosity. These five fishy tales prove it.

This diverse list of titles includes prose novels, novels in verse, and graphic novels. It has solid middle grade books as well as selections more suited for upper middle grade or younger YA tastes.

This list features two graphic novels about trying to find your place in the world, a tale centering a sweet friendship between a boy and his cat, a primer on Asian American history, and more.

For young listeners who need a reminder that kindness matters and resilience is powerful, share these audio titles to provide inspiration, comfort, and even temporary escape.

These reviews cover volumes in new and ongoing series for young people at every stage of their reading journey.

Rigorous, research-based phonics readers for librarians, educators, and families who are supporting readers at a variety of levels.

These bright additions to picture book series will allow children to go on new adventures with familiar characters.

Old friends and new skills take center stage in these silly and warm books that kids will be thrilled to encounter on the road to independent reading.

A robust collection of chapter books filled with gentle high jinks and diverse characters.

Whether it’s harrowing tales of survival, epic fantasy, spine-tingling horror, or silly derring-do, the name of the game in these series installments is adventure.

These slim, accessible series have all the drama, intrigue, and action older students are looking to read.

From The Smurfs to the Pizzaplex, these reviews will help librarians keep up with this high-demand format.

These reviews cover continuations of YA series or duologies, where young revolutionaries become queens, friends become enemies, and enemies become allies.

Romance, action, and incredible art take center stage in these new and continuing manga series.

Sibling drama, superpowers, and lemon cupcakes. There’s something here for every transitional and emerging reader looking for the just-right book during the summer months.

Grab your towel, sunscreen, and snacks, and head out in the sunshine to enjoy some summertime stories. These 16 YA romances celebrate love and everything summer, from camp and vacation drama to days spent at jobs and on creative pursuits.

Jamie Smart is the British author and illustrator of the bestselling children’s comic series “Bunny vs Monkey.” Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island is the first title in his new graphic novel series for kids ages 5–8. Smart talks about the creation of this delightful new series.

A celebration of birding, making new friends, and the power of self-love make these picture books excellent choices for summer reading and all year round.

Celebrate mothers not just for one day but all year long with these selections.

These nonfiction titles feature Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander politicians, restaurateurs, Nobel Peace Prize recipients, and more.

Seven new graphic novels, both fiction and nonfiction, that depict the immigration experience. 

These books share tips on using AI, mini-lessons, manga, and more to engage and educate students and patrons.

This month’s starred titles take readers to Turkey, walk them through the first day of school, and give the number zero its moment in the spotlight.

For collection development or year-around displays, this celebration of joy and all things Jewish takes readers around the world. There’s a Sukkot in Uganda, a seder in Depression-era Washington, DC, and another set in COVID-19-era Jerusalem. Family is the thing, and from the personal to the universal, the gamut of human experience runs through these picture books.

From a bilingual title about merengue dancing to a colorful volume on what you can find in the grocery store, these works are perfect for the smallest hands this summer break.

With these manga, choose the right format for the right story.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a legal dispute that started when a Maryland district added books with LGBTQIA+ characters and themes to its curriculum and did not allow parents to opt out of instruction. Here are SLJ's reviews of those books.

May is Zombie Awareness Month. Don't want your patrons and students to have their brains eaten by the undead? Sharing this list of picture books, early readers, middle grade, and YA titles just might save their lives. 

Readers responded to our coverage of a North Carolina bill, which could bring criminal charges against librarians over "material that is harmful to minors"—and much more. 

Birding is a great way for students and teachers to connect with nature. From citizen science projects and live feeder stations—and books galore—the resources here will help kids learn about our avian friends.

Cascarones are empty eggshells that are decorated, filled with confetti, and sealed. A Latinx Easter tradition involves breaking them over loved ones’ heads. Join in the fun with these two picture books.

From a picture book about whales to middle grade books on rescuing red wolves and honeybees, these informational texts will encourage burgeoning environmentalists to take on a cause.

From fish farts to how animal poop helps fight the climate crisis, these STEM books will inform and satisfy readers who enjoy supercool titles about the slimy and disgusting.

Books to help budding ornithologists explore the world of birds, along with aspects of SEL (social and emotional learning), from persistence to making friends.

In these three novels, the pace and proximity of small-town life play a vital role in characters’ disparate journeys that are ultimately bids for safety, recognition, and belonging.

Looking for bunnies? Looking for eggs? Whatever your young readers are looking for this Easter season, these tactile and interactive offerings will take them on a fun-filled journey.

As board books continue to evolve, they’re cleverly expanding to meet the needs of readers even as they approach early school age.

These three books poignantly explore characters whose relationships to the past heavily influence their present.

Understanding the racist roots of nursery rhymes can help librarians and early childhood educators decide what is appropriate to share with children—and what should be left behind.

These excellent middle grade and YA titles use poetry to get at the heart of kids’ experiences. Share them for National Poetry Month and beyond.

From conservation and recycling to a simple appreciation of nature, these books provide a greater understanding of the world and our place in it.

This month’s starred books include titles celebrating holidays and a collection of poetry.

As we mark five years since COVID-19 emerged in the United States and consider the lasting impacts of the global pandemic, this list of books for young readers of all ages features representations of anxiety, grief, coping techniques and, most of all, hope.

It is important to work to stay emotionally and physically strong during difficult times. This collection supports finding ways to recognize and celebrate the healing forces around us.

In these titles, young readers will attend Seder meals on the side of the road and Mount Everest, follow the Sarajevo Haggadah throughout history, search high and low for the afikoman, and more.

These starred YA debuts released during the first three months of 2025 feature propulsive, thought-provoking plots from authors we’re sure to see more of in the future.

Lifting up transgender voices in literature has always been important, but now it's more vital than ever. Share these 14 books by trans creators and/or about trans characters ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 and all year round.

It’s romance! It’s fantasy! It’s romantasy: A fan favorite category for manga. Here are seven recent romantasy manga releases.

From magic to murder, these YA novels set at boarding schools are full of secrets and page-turning plots to keep readers guessing.

Two exemplary titles explore activism from distinct perspectives for young readers.

This month's starred selections include nonfiction and reference books, along with the latest Legend of Zelda video game.

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu festival celebrating spring. Young readers will enjoy these colorful picture books about the holiday.

These collections gather poems about nature, imagination, and creativity. Share them with young readers to open up a world of possibilities.

This month, a handful of middle grade and YA titles, along with a manga adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and more, received starred reviews.

Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates events told in the biblical Book of Esther. Hand these titles to young readers so they can share in the parties, costumes, and food that are all part of the festivities.

Bank Street College of Education has revealed the 2025 Margaret Wise Brown Board Book Award honorees, along with the Best Board Books of the Year.

This year, the committee recognized twelve outstanding books of poetry and nine novels in verse as 2025 Notable Books. These selections emphasize inclusiveness and diversity, showcasing a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

Reading about the determination of these women, both in sports and in life, may encourage young readers to similarly face any challenges in front of them. Share these titles for Women's History Month and all year.

Three middle grade titles explore climate change through a thrilling science fiction lens.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. and School Library Journal have revealed the winning titles in the 2025 Children & Youth Literary Awards, which celebrate the diversity of the Black experience.

In uncertain and scary times, these recent audiobooks for kids, tweens, and teens can inspire much-needed resilience and joy.

These stories share a variety of Ramadan and Eid experiences, from fasting for the first time to celebrating in a home. Hand them to young readers leading up to the holy month and all year long.

Following a devastating year of violence against children, our deepest hope is that these 40 outstanding international titles, and the words within them, can inspire bridges of understanding and peace. Download the full list here.

This month showcases excellent titles in poetry, including a book illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Doug Salati, as well as several graphic novels, including a new one from Raina Telgemeier.

These five heartfelt titles feature characters whose identities fall under the trans umbrella.

Our latest batch of board book reviews are quite the treasure chest for little lap-sitters and other pre-readers! From basic concepts and to understanding emotions, this collection celebrates inclusion and is perfect for sparking conversation and imagination.

Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston and Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson are this year's winners in the younger readers and teen categories, respectively.

These 12 recent YA titles celebrate romantic Black love in many forms, in different periods of history, and in real and fantasy realms. They include humor, queer love, and paranormal/sci-fi encounters, expanding the much-needed diversity within the romance genre.

From board books with kids and dogs sharing Valentine's wishes to YA novels about Valentine's dances and do-overs, these titles will warm young readers' hearts this holiday season.

This month’s starred books include Spanish titles by Matt de la Pena, Juana Medina, Sara Andrea Fajardo, and Kao Kalia Yang.

The SLJ reviews editors rounded up our reviews of the books lauded at the 2025 Youth Media Awards. Here, the reviews of the winners of the Geisel, Odyssey, Alex, and Batchelder awards.

SLJ reviews of YALSA's Excellence in Nonfiction Award titles and the winner and honor books of the 2025 Robert F. Sibert Informational Award, administered by ALSC.

Bestowed annually, the William C. Morris Award honors a young adult title written by a first-time author writing for teens. The 2025 winner: Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo. Four honor books were named.

Some kids love narrative nonfiction; others, expository literature. Learn more about these two styles of books and browse a list of recent outstanding examples. 

Young readers of all ages can enjoy the various activities involved with Lunar New Year as they read these titles.

Every year on January 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the 1945 liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. This year marks the 80th anniversary. Share these graphic novels with young readers leading up to the day and all year long.

These selections combine witty dialogue, incongruous situations, goofy characters, and silly plots to keep young readers entertained.

January starts strong with a new book from Gayle Forman, two graphic novels, and several audio titles spanning ages and genres.

These books are the best of the Rise committee's selection of  "well-written and well-illustrated books with significant feminist content for young readers."

These books—which share stories of real and fictional people and animals who have endured wildfires—can provide information and comfort to children and teens.

From a pizza-eating dragon to a detailed look at the causes of climate change, these Spanish-language works offer young readers engaging stories and magical high jinks.

In her quest to get teens reading at the Fort Worth (TX) Public Library, librarian Karen Jensen uses music as the foundation for readers' advisory.

Seek-and-finds, stories about escape challenges, and other engaging titles. 

These books on topics ranging from using AI successfully to navigating book challenges are a good place for librarians to start as they look toward another year of positively influencing young readers.

2024 came to a close with these outstanding selections, which include several from our new Fiction Series Made Simple supplement. 

From ready reference to encyclopedias, these titles will spark curiosity in baseball, ancient times, and dragons, while also providing research resources on Black women's history and space travel.

Are your young readers sad that the holiday season is over? Point them to these titles, featuring holidays celebrated throughout the year around the world.

2024 ends with starred reviews for Garth Nix, George M. Johnson, and more.

Booklists are perennially popular content on SLJ. The most viewed ones, however, aren’t all from 2024 or featuring titles from current publishing seasons. See what topics drew reader interest this past year. 

Keeping engaging series fiction in the hands of young patrons as they build habits and discover a love of reading is a priority. Fiction Series Made Simple is designed to help librarians maintain fresh and fun collections.

A careful examination of decodable sets designed to support burgeoning readers and their grown-ups on the path toward reading fluency.

Picture book series that help readers consider their place in the world.

This season’s additions to early reader series appeal to developing passions in science, animal welfare, and more.